Paper Number 36 Low-technology techniques for seismic isolation

Conference ABSTRACT: This project sought to improve the seismic performance of low-rise buildings by the introduction of a simple, low cost seismic isolation system at the time of construction, or re-construction. The main advantage of the friction sliding isolation layer is that the seismic base shear force transmitted from the ground to the isolated structure can be controlled at the level of the friction force in the sliding layer. This project tested five potential isolation materials for their frictional features by both semi-dynamic and dynamic shake table experiments. The materials were sand, lighting ridge pebble, polypropylene and PVC sheet and polythene membrane. The isolation effect levels of the materials serving as the sliding layer were obtained from the experimental results. Three computer models, using Working Model 2D, Nonlin and SAP2000, were developed to simulate the sliding system. Attempts were also made to verify the validity of the seismic performance of the system theoretically solving the equations of motion for both single-degree-of-freedom and two-degree-of-freedom sliding system.